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Murphy – Barbara Hughes, the longtime local volunteer and “first lady” of Murphy who was elected to the city council in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, has resigned for personal reasons.
“Serving on the town council has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” Hughes said in her resignation letter Monday. “It has been an honor to work alongside dedicated colleagues and engage with our constituents, addressing the needs and concerns of our fellow residents.”
Hughes was already well known when she was elected, as her husband, Bill Hughes, served as mayor for 20 years. His health has been her primary focus. She was voted the Best Volunteer in Cherokee County for 11 years in the Cherokee Scout’s annual Readers’ Choice contest.
“I also want to extend my appreciation to the residents of our community for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing their interests,” Hughes said in her resignation letter.
A Murphy native, Hughes worked with Cherokee County Schools for 32 years and “loved it.” She also founded the nonprofit Heritage Partners of Cherokee County in 2000, which included creating the Murphy River Walk, Piney Knob Hiking & Biking Trail and Payne Street Boat Ramp. In addition, she was named Citizen of the Year by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in 2007.
The Scout will have more on this story in future editions.